- He was the first ruler to introduce free primary education in his state, in 1096, placing his territory far in advance of contemporary British India.
- The largest narrow gauge railway network in the world was set up by Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad with Dhaboi at its focal point.
- Kamatibaug was a gift to the city of Baroda from Sayajirao Gaekwad with more than a hundred banyan trees.
- On the occasion of Silver Jubilee to the throne, he gifted the city with a university popularly known as Maharaja Sayajirao University.
- Sayajirao Gaekwad played the key role in Vadodara's textile industry.
- The Central library was actually born in Laxmi Villas Pal